Ilangachcharige Chaminda Rumesh vs. Officer in Charge Police Station Negombo – CA/BAL/52/2022-2022

In the case between the Officer in Charge (Police Station, Negombo) and Attorney General (representing the State) versus Ilangachcharige Chaminda Rumesh, the court addressed whether bail should be granted to a suspect remanded under the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crimes and Witnesses Act, particularly after an extended period in custody without significant judicial progress. It was held that prolonged delay in the administration of justice constitutes an exceptional circumstance warranting the grant of bail, reaffirming the principle that judicial delay, where no substantive proceedings have occurred, can satisfy exceptional circumstances under the Act. This decision relied on the relevant statutory provisions governing bail under the Assistance to and Protection of Victims